Greening a1950’s Ranch
What’s worked well for the last 50 years? What could be fantastic for the next 50 years? Houston’s typical 2,000 square foot 50’s and 60’s ranch!
The Waycross Ranch home is a great example of a budget green remodel. The initial rules for keeping the cost reasonable were simple: the roof line and foundation had to be left alone. The interior was reconfigured re-proportioning spaces for optimal furniture layout. A slit and circular opening in walls created dynamic spaces with a sense of spaciousness. New large windows on the north side opened rooms to the backyard. About 50% of the house, including kitchen and bathrooms, was gutted to the studs and the remaining drywall was floated out to make it look like new.
Of course there are some trade-offs to living in a smaller home. Closets are small, so are the bathrooms and there’s not much of an entry. But look at it another way; It’s not the size of the closet but what’s in it. Fill the closet with favorite things and no more. A shift in attitude can have a huge pay-off. Besides a more manageable mortgage and tax bill, embracing simplicity and carefully choosing the things that furnish a home encourages a more serene lifestyle.
Green Features from top to bottom:
- 3kW Solar system
- Solar Pool Heater on Trellis
- White metal standing seam roof (recycled steel by a local manufacturer)
- New High efficiency A/C unit with R-8 ductwork, humidity control, and air purification.
- R-38 insulation in the attic, blown in cellulose of recycled newspaper.
- Blown in cellulose in walls (this house had no wall insulation for 50 years!)
- Fluorescent lighting, mixed with low-voltage halogen for quality
- Pex Plumbing with tankless water heater
- New RAM windows, made locally, aluminum with thermal break.
- Icestone counters, with recycled glass, made in the USA
- Energy Star Appliances
- Low flow faucets, shower heads and dual flush toilets
- Bath tile made with in 500 miles, with recycled content
- Existing hardwoods refinished
- Linoleum kitchen floor.
Energy Savings:
- Highest summer electric bill for 2009 - $175
- Lowest winter electric bill for 2009 - $70
- For more information utility bills click here
Address: 4618 Waycross, Houston, TX 77035
Project Size: 1,900 s.f. of air conditioned space
Completion: Fall 2008
Builder: Kathleen Reardon
Construction System: Traditional wood stick frame
Solar System Installer: Alternate Power Solutions, LLC
